ISW: Fighting breaks out between US-backed, Turkish-backed Syrian forces VIDEO

Fierce fighting has reportedly broken out along parts of the frontline between the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) in northern Syria, raising concerns of an impending SNA offensive against the SDF.

Local, anti-SDF media outlets reported on January 9 that artillery exchanges and clashes took place near the Balikh River, north of SDF-controlled Ain Issa. Caliber.Az reports citing Institute for the Study of War (ISW),

Three SNA-affiliated fighters were injured in the fighting. Additional reports indicated artillery shelling and clashes along the M4 highway, west of Tal Tamr. These developments follow recent reports that the SNA has deployed reinforcements to the frontlines, suggesting preparations for an offensive against the SDF. While it remains unclear which side initiated the clashes, the SNA may exploit the recent shelling to set the stage for further attacks.

The SNA also continued offensive operations against the SDF around Tishreen Dam on January 8. The aim of these attacks may have been to fix SDF forces in place, preventing them from reinforcing other positions along the frontline.

The SNA launched a "large-scale" assault against the SDF approximately five kilometres northwest of the dam. Additionally, the SNA ambushed SDF fighters near Tal al Zamalah, south of the dam. The SDF has accused Türkiye of providing air support for the SNA attacks.

A Kurdish journalist covering the conflict reported that the SNA received reinforcements from al Bab, Mare, and Jarabulus ahead of these operations. Geolocated footage published on January 8 showed the SDF launching drone strikes against SNA fighters in Khirbet Tueni, located about 2.8 kilometers northwest of Tishreen Dam. It is unclear whether the SNA has retained any territorial gains from its attacks, though the SNA has continued artillery and drone strikes around Tishreen Dam and the Qara Qozak Bridge.

These efforts could hinder the SDF’s ability to reinforce its positions elsewhere along the frontline.

On January 9, Türkiye conducted several airstrikes targeting SDF positions on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River, near the SDF-SNA frontline. Türkiye struck an SDF rocket launcher near al Jarniyah, a key location along an SDF supply line.

🚨Suriye Milli Ordusu tarafından Tişrin Barajı hattında FPV drone ile hedef alınan PKK/YPG’li teröristler. pic.twitter.com/rBrDt3NjNI

— Conflict (@ConflictTR) January 9, 2025

Turkish artillery and aircraft also targeted SDF positions near Qara Qozak Bridge and to the north of the bridge. Analysts from CTP-ISW noted that Türkiye’s airstrikes appear to be in support of SNA offensive operations, but they could also signal the potential for a broader Turkish or Turkish-backed military operation in the region. 

🔴#SONDAKİKA | Türk savaş uçakları, Tişrin hattındaki YPG hedeflerini vuruyor. pic.twitter.com/rL2Bmc3lAC

— Savaş Medya (@savasmedya) January 9, 2025

The escalating fighting and increased military activity along the SDF-SNA frontline indicate a potential intensification of the conflict in northern Syria, as both sides appear to be preparing for further confrontations.

By Vafa Guliyeva